UC Irvine School of Law Historical Timeline

UC President Clark Kerr creates an Advisory Committee on Law School Planning to study California state needs for legal education.

Andrew Guilford, then a practicing attorney and president of the Orange County Bar Association, begins a series of discussions with lawyers, judges and faculty about a law school at UCI.

A group of prominent local lawyers, including former California State Senator Joseph Dunn, now Hon. Andrew Guilford, Thomas Malcolm, Mark P. Robinson Jr., Gary Singer and James Irvine Swinden launch a renewed effort for a law school at UCI. The group later becomes known as the “Founders of the Law School.” Pictured from left to right, Thomas Malcolm, Mark Robinson, Jr., Erwin Chemerinsky, Gary Singer, Joe Dunn.

UCI's fourth Chancellor, Ralph Cicerone, and Executive Vice Chancellor, Michael R. Gottfredson (pictured), prioritize the establishment of a law school at UCI.

Michael V. Drake, M.D. is appointed Chancellor of UCI. Chancellor Drake successfully moves the proposal for a law school through the UC system. (Drake was later appointed University of California President in 2020).

The UC Office of the President recommends to UC Regents the establishment of a law school at UCI. Within the month, UC Regents approve the proposal.

The Irvine family makes a gift of $1 million to the Law School for scholarships and the Law Library. (Pictured: Joan Irvine Smith.)

Erwin Chemerinsky is named Founding Dean of the University of California, Irvine School of Law, effective July 1, 2008.

The “Dream Team” Founding Faculty and Administration arrive.

UC Irvine Law officially begins school with the Inaugural Class of 60 students.

The UC Irvine Law Pro Bono Program launches with 98% of students participating in the first semester. The students completed 1,305 pro bono hours.

The Inaugural UC Irvine Law Review is published: Training for the Practice of Law at the Highest Levels.

First UC Irvine Law Commencement Ceremony, with Commencement Address by Hon. Harry T. Edwards and Graduate Address by Jean Su.

Inaugural Swearing-In Ceremony for Class of 2012 graduates who passed the State Bar Exam. Hon. Glenda Sanders administers State Court Oath and Hon. Andrew J. Guilford administers Federal Court Oath.

The American Bar Association grants UC Irvine Law Full Accreditation.

UC Irvine Law Faculty rank No. 6 nationwide for scholarly impact.

In the highest debut ranking by a new law school in U.S. News history, UC Irvine Law ranks No. 30 in its first year of eligibility. 

Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Elects UC Irvine Law Into Membership.

Founding Dean Erwin Chemerinsky appointed dean at University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

L. Song Richardson appointed interim dean of UC Irvine Law, effective July 2017. Scholars, professionals and students react to the appointment.

L. Song Richardson named second permanent dean of UC Irvine Law, effective Jan. 1, 2018. More than 50 media stories and social media posts shared the exciting news. Read the press release >

UC Irvine Libraries and UC Irvine Law opened the spring 2019 exhibit, UC Irivne Law Stories: Past, Present, and Future, on Monday, March 25, 2019. The exhibit included select writings and memorabilia showcasing UC Irvine Law's historical beginnings, the school's founding vision and its pioneering and entrepreneurial community partners, faculty, staff, students and alumni.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, UC Irvine Law holds its first virtual commencement ceremony to celebrate the Class of 2020.

UC Irvine Law’s second dean L. Song Richardson is named President of Colorado College, effective July 1, 2021.

Bryant Garth is appointed interim dean of UC Irvine Law, effective June 2, 2021. 

Austen Parrish named third permanent dean of UC Irvine Law, effective August 3, 2022. Parrish joins UC Irvine Law from Indiana University Maurer School of Law, where he was dean and James H. Rudy Professor.

Read the press release >